Snow Removal

Snow Removal From the Streets

The City of Kennewick is devoted to keeping our streets as safe as possible, within a constrained budget. Prior to a major snow or freezing rain event, the City will attempt to spread salt and deicing material on all major arterial streets. Other priority locations include streets near schools, hospitals and hills.

When snow accumulations reach four inches, the City of Kennewick will plow the major arterial streets, and the streets near schools, hospitals, traffic signals, roundabouts and hills.

Depending on the severity of the storm, it may take several hours to several days or weeks for roadways to return to near normal. In the aftermath of the storm, be patient, self-sufficient and travel only if it's absolutely necessary.

During a major snow event, the City of Kennewick may also utilize contract labor to assist in responding to snow and ice control.

Homeowner/Business Owners Are Responsible for Cleaning Their Sidewalks

Removal of snow from sidewalks along your home and business is a responsibility of all citizens. The best time to shovel snow is immediately after it falls and before ice can begin to form. Make sure you shovel snow into your yard and not the street.

After you clear the sidewalk of snow, you may choose to apply an ice-melting substance. The City recommends use of Calcium Chloride, (sometimes called "hot melt") rather than Sodium Chloride (Rock Salt) because it is less damaging to sidewalks and plants. Also, it works at a much lower temperature, so it is more effective in freezing conditions.

If your home or business is at a corner, please remove the snow from the sidewalk ramps so children and other pedestrians can cross the street.

Dig out fire hydrants for your safety and the safety of your neighbors.

If your neighbors are elderly, disabled or have other special conditions that makes snow removal hazardous, please be a good neighbor and help clean the snow and ice for them.

If you can afford one, buy a snow blower and help your neighbors. Make sure you blow the snow into your yard and not the street.

Please Don't Take it Personally

Equipment operators may work 12 hours or more in a shift and appreciate courteous and friendly drivers and pedestrians. Please help them help you.

Pushing snow into a driveway opening or along a car parked on the street is often unavoidable as City crews work to keep streets passable.

Don't throw snow from your sidewalk or driveway into the street - it's against the law.

To avoid having snow covering your driveway from the City plows, shovel your snow to the right of your driveway into your yard and not into the street.

If your neighbors are elderly, disabled or have other special conditions that makes snow removal hazardous, please be a good neighbor and help clean the snow and ice for them.

Before applying for a business license, it is very important that you verify that your business activity meets the zoning requirements for the location you have selected if operating business from any premises within the City limits of Kennewick. Read More...

City of Kennewick takes pride in the park and recreational facilities available for residents and visitors. There are 34 maintained public parks and facilities spread throughout the city with 855 total acres of which about 400 is green space. Recreation Website

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is a spatial model of City facilities & infrastructure in the “real” world. This collection of maps and data can help you visualize information. Property owners can also find parcel information, zoning, utilities, etc. Go to Maps...